ナイフ

• Reading: ナイフ
• Romaji: naifu
• Pronunciation: /na.i.ɸɯ/

Meaning

Knife. A cutting utensil used for eating and food preparation.

A loanword from English 'knife,' written in katakana. In dining contexts, ナイフ refers specifically to a table knife. For kitchen knives, the word 包丁 (houchou) is more commonly used. Japanese knives are world-renowned for their quality and sharpness.

Examples

1. ナイフでパンを切りました。 I cut the bread with a knife.
2. ナイフを使う時は気をつけてください。 Please be careful when using a knife.
3. ステーキをナイフで食べます。 I eat steak with a knife.

Usage Guide

Context: meals, kitchen, restaurants

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'knife.' Entered Japanese vocabulary alongside other Western dining terms during the Meiji period.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal